The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 12,000 Podiatrists Daily

February 13, 2010 #3,779 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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WI Governor Signs Enhanced Podiatry Bill into Law

On February 11, 2010, Governor Jim Doyle signed into law Senate Bill 191 which makes numerous changes to podiatry law, including the creation of podiatrist-patient privilege, improving regulation and oversight of the podiatry industry, and allowing podiatrists to determine injury for needy veterans trying to obtain benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Front: Gov. Jim Doyle signs bill.  Back row (L-R) Steve Merckx, DPM (President WSPM), Rep. Peter Barca (Assembly sponsor), Sen. John Lehman (State Senate Sponsor), and Mike Thompson DPM, (WSPM Public Policy Chairman).

Source: Wisconsinpolitics.com [2/11/10]

BUSPM Podiatrists and Allograft Company Team Up to Save Limbs in Haiti

A group of surgeons from Barry University and Mercy Hospital in Miami, FL, will leave this week to treat patients in Haiti, many of whom will need the Matrix HD allografts to save their arms or legs from amputation.

Dr. Thomas J. Merrill

"These grafts from RTI are very important because we do not have the surgical equipment or facilities available to harvest autografts from the patients, and we can apply these allografts without general anesthesia," said Dr. Thomas J. Merrill, professor of surgery for the School of Podiatric Medicine at Barry University and podiatric reconstructive surgeon for Mercy Hospital. "The Matrix HD allografts are durable and will withstand the conditions in Haiti right now. These grafts will save these patients' limbs." 
 
Source: Business Wire [2/11/10]

NY Podiatrist Takes Icy Plunge for Make-A-Wish

Podiatrist Andrew Shapiro and his wife, Marsha, both from Lido Beach, NY, took the plunge on Super Bowl Sunday into the frigid, sub-32 degree temperature in  Long Beach, NY. This was the 3rd year in a row they did this for Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Dr. & Mrs. Andrew Shapiro

They were among at least 4,000 people who jumped into the Atlantic Ocean for the 13th annual Long Beach Polar Bear Club dip. Organizers expect to raise over a half a million dollars from this event. The Shapiros raised over four thousand dollars.

The Super Bowl Sunday tradition started in 1998 with two friends who began collecting funds for Make-A-Wish Foundation to honor the memory of their friend's 4-year-old son, who died of cancer. To date, they've raised more than $1.5 million to grant wishes for kids with life-threatening medical conditions.

MI Podiatrist Faces Weapons and Drug Charges in Crash

A podiatrist living in Canton is to appear in court today on alcohol, drug and weapons charges stemming from a crash late last month that left a woman paralyzed. Jason Choos, 45, who has an office in Westland, was driving an SUV when he rear-ended a vehicle driven by a Canton woman on Jan. 29, township police Lt. Robert Antal said. The woman remains in intensive care with spinal cord injuries. Choos, who police said had a semi-automatic weapon without a permit, is charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, felony firearm, and marijuana possession.

Source: Detroit Free Press (MI) [2/12/10]

Rekindle First-Day Excitement

New employees’ sense of excitement can diminish as they master tasks, learn the jobs’ details and become part of the team. How do you keep them feeling as motivated and creative as they did on the first day? Here are four ways you can reignite that spark:

•  Challenge them. Routine work is stagnating. Encourage—and expect— superior effort. 
•  Appreciate them. Boost morale and motivate workers by showing that you appreciate them. Recognize not only their extraordinary efforts on special projects but also their daily successes on routine tasks.
•  Hear them. Encourage them to share their suggestions and feedback. Let them know you value their input. They may have the answers you are looking for. Even if they do not, you demonstrate and reinforce your belief in their abilities when you ask and listen.
•  Lead them. Guide and encourage your employees. Listen to their needs and find ways to reward their professional progress.

Key: Reinforce their performance. If you do not continue to encourage and challenge employees, they may form the impression that they do not need to produce at 100% any more. Force them out of their routine, asking them to extend themselves beyond their officially appointed tasks and to turn in their best performance every day.

Source: Adapted from “A Primer on Rejuvenating Employees,” Naples Daily News via Communication Briefings

Query: Financial Impact of Pre-fabs

Our group is interested in carrying and dispensing some form of pre-molded arch support/orthotic/insert. I have thus far resisted, being concerned about the reduction in orthotic volume and revenue that may occur. I understand, of course, that the intended use for one device over another is clinically driven by the patient’s circumstances and medical needs. I realize the ability of one doctor to promote personal biomechanical knowledge, and that a more costly and/or efficacious device will differ from another.
 
That being said, has anyone tracked and be willing to share their experience of the volume and/or revenue change that has occurred by introducing pre-molded devices within a multi-physician practice that has never really had them readily available? I see there is a “wash” point, but at a bottom line revenue exchange rate of 6-7 pairs of pre-fabs to one custom set, I really can’t help but wonder if it’s a smart move to stock them given that it’s human nature to take the path of least resistance.
 
Michael McCormick, DPM, Venice, FL

Query: Lesser MPJ Implant

How would I code a second metatarsal-phalangeal joint hemi-implant procedure?

Sanjay Gandhi, DPM, Manalapan, NJ

Response: There is no CPT code for this procedure. I suggest billing the unlisted code, CPT 28899, and submitting your op-report with a letter of explanation.

I also strongly recommend pre-authorizing the procedure, since there is a chance the payer could disallow your claim for inserting an implant in a lesser metatarsal-phalangeal joint.

When billing an unlisted code, the payer reviewer first will need to approve or deny the claim. If it is approved, then the carrier will need to price the unlisted procedure. To that end, I would include in the letter of explanation a suggested comparison code of equal work and value.

Tony Poggio, DPM, Alameda, CA

Codingline subscription information can be found at:
http://www.codingline.com/subscribe.htm

RE: Plantar/Palmar Keratosis (Misty McNeill, DPM)
From: Andrew Schneider, DPM

I have a patient afflicted with the same condition. His children have it as well. The only thing that I've done that's provided relief is manual debridement ONLY of deeper keratomas, if any, that are causing local discomfort. I make Diabasheet insoles for him, which he can't go without. I know he has tried UV therapy with a dermatologist, with no significant results.

Andrew Schneider, DPM, Houston, TX , ajsdpm@aol.com

RE: PRP (Vincent Marino, DPM)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM

Dr. Marino asks whether his positive findings are due to autologous PRP injections or traumatic stimulation of the tendon by multiple injections of fluid. I invite the podiatric academic community to do such a double-blinded study and publish its findings. Such a comparative study would be relatively easy to do and could probably get funding from the corporations that make the product being tested. 
 
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com

RE: Airport Screening Foot Safety (Stanton C. Southward, DPM)
From: Neil M. Scheffler, DPM

Israel has an alternative to removing shoes at the airport. Here's the video link:

Neil M. Scheffler, DPM, Baltimore, MD, feetone@aol.com

RE: AthenaHealth Software (Jordana Szpiro, DPM)
From: Marco A Vargas, DPM, Marc Garfield, DPM

I have been using Athena since 2006 and have mixed feelings. As far as getting paid quickly and being able to stay on top of claims, I am very pleased; however, they are incredibly bureaucratic and are exceedingly slow in responding to questions about particular claims, codes, etc... They also reject and write off a good number of claims due to lack of knowledge of modifiers and podiatric coding in general. 
 
They have a lot of "teams" (i.e., implementation team, scope team, account management team, etc..), and a lot of our questions, such as asking for specific reports or changes in provider IDs or numbers become "projects" that can go on for weeks. They usually require conference calls with my staff and generally 2 or 3 of their staff who all have to coordinate their schedules and are usually only available during my clinic hours. They rarely can solve a problem in one simple phone call.
 
It seems to me that they are better suited for hospitals or large group practices, and are not very flexible or sensitive to the needs of the small group or solo practitioner.
 
Marco A Vargas, DPM, Sugar Land, TX, drvargas@drvargas.com

I was very close to signing on with Athena and have heard very positive things about the service/software. They will charge you a percentage of revenue collected. Unless your EMR links to their software, your staff will still have to do double data entry. They will not code, post payments sent to your office, or enter charges; someone from your office will have to do that. So effectively, you are still paying someone to bill; you are just making their job easier. Financially, this service works well for large practices that have a small staff that cannot spend lots of time chasing down claims. If you have a very small office, it is very expensive and may lock you in to their EMR, which I have not seen, but my understanding is the that it also is very expensive and very average in functionality. 

They also take four months to set up your account; so, if you are having a billing crisis now, you will have to make do for four months. Also note, there is a clearing house called Claim RemEDI that provides roughly the same service, including your clearinghouse fees for $100/ month rather than 4-6% of your collections. Lastly, when I looked at Athena, they promised something like 93% “clean claims rate”.  There is no service attached but AdvancedMD was promising 95 or 99% of clean claims with their software alone. From the reviews and references I have seen (I have talked extensively with a local anesthesia group biller that uses them and loves them), Athena is extremely effective at facilitating collections and optimizing your practice by sending you reports that compare your practice with others across the county in terms of charges, collections, and code usage.

Marc Garfield, DPM, Williamsburg, VA, mgarfield1@cox.net

OFFICE SPACE TO SHARE - NYC

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTHWEST CHICAGO SUBURBS

17 year-old surgical practice for sale. Practice sees a wide variety of foot and ankle pathology and is largely referral especially regarding surgical patients. Two offices fully equipped. Lease or purchase of office condo also possible. Doctor willing to stay Please email inquiries to crystallakefootandankle@live.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA—CENTRAL/SOUTH

Turn-key operation grossing $570,000 annually based on one full-time doctor. Great opportunity for growing the top-line. Surgery is only 14% of the professional man-hours; it can significantly increase income. Medicare makes up 64% of revenues. Seller will assist with transition. Call 863-688-1725, ask for Chas.

ASSOCIATE POSITION FULL-TIME - SUBURBS OF CHICAGO

PSR 36 - month-trained podiatrist needed for busy suburban Chicago practice. Full benefit package included. If interested, please email your curriculum vitae to foot1st@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION-INLAND EMPIRE, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Associate needed full or part-time for multi office practice. Must be ABPS BC/BQ. Hard working, ethical individual who is looking to a possible partnership opportunity. Looking for current licensed or resident completing program this spring. Email CV to bkatzman2@earthlink.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION – CINCINNATI, OHIO

This is your once in a lifetime opportunity to join one of the most successful practices in the United States. We do not have a seniority system. If you are motivated and have completed a PSR 24-36 residency, your income is limited only by your enthusiasm and desire to achieve. Email resume to khart@cincinnatifootcare.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

Associate needed to join a multi-office podiatry practice in the Baltimore MD Region. Desired candidate should be surgically trained with Board Eligible / Certification. You must be hard-working, ethical, compassionate and confident in your abilities to deal with pathology, patients, staff and fellow physicians. Patient base is already established. Excellent income and growth potential for the right associate. Please forward a cover letter and resume and availability to FootDocMaryland@Gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NEW YORK

Dr. Mark Levine's Office in Middle Village, Queens, NY. Dr. Levine passed on several weeks ago BUT practice has been covered and is being actively manned. Call cousin Art Korbel, DPM, MD who is handling the sale, for details. 954 753 7621 or classicboats4425@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - HUDSON VALLEY, NY

Do you enjoy teaching residents and being in the O.R.? We are seeking a well-trained foot surgeon. Experienced foot surgeons or new graduates with excellent training considered. We are an expanding multi-office group practice with a great group of doctors, located in the scenic Hudson Valley. We also have a Wound Center and Residency Program affiliated with this special opportunity. Please forward CV to: healthyfeet4ever@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MONTANA

Great opportunity for a PSR 24 or 36 residency trained individual to join a dynamic two doctor group with physical therapy. Needs good FF surgical skills, RF a bonus. Beautiful office and great area of the country for outdoor recreation-minded individuals. Opportunity for partnership after employment. Please reply to: jclough@bridgemail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA

Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for a full-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to f-massuda@footexperts.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MASSACHUSSETTS

Full-time/Part-time podiatrist needed for a busy nursing home practice. Please send inquiries to debbierobertsm4@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION – MISSOURI

Expanding multi-location practice seeks motivated individual to contribute to growth. Practice enjoys strong reputation and name recognition. Prefer candidates with interest in partnership opportunity. Established locations available for PSR 24+ and includes incentive comp with benefits/coverage. Please send CV to jmurray@foothealers.com or call John Murray at 314.842.3875

ASSOCIATE POSITION - INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 
 
Hospital clinic practice with a large volume of all patient types. In need of 1-2 podiatrists, willing to work as a team and make a career in Indianapolis. One - two year residency training can be medical or surgical. Excellent income and ownership possible. Curriculum vitae to  twz1001@sbcglobal.net

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND/D.C AREA

We are looking for an energetic and well-trained podiatrist to join our rapidly growing group; we have offices in Maryland and D.C and are in need of someone who is hard-working and growth-oriented. This candidate must be a graduate of a PM&S 36 residency program or have the equivalent in practice experience. We are looking for the person that wants to make this area their home and become an integral part of our group. If interested, e-mail your CV and cover letter to washingtonpod@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN VIRGINIA/DC SUBURB

Excellent associate practice opportunity leading to partnership for PSR 24-36 foot and ankle surgically-trained physician. Currently 4-doctor/2 office practice in fast-growing area, expanding to 5 doctors. Hard working, personable, highly-motivated individuals needed. Great opportunity with excellent salary and benefits. No nursing homes. Top hospitals. Fax CV with references to 703-491-9994

SPACE AVAILABLE  With MRI– NYC/LI

Turn-key office space, East 60th and 22nd St. Manhattan and Plainview, Long Island. Available extremity M.R.I and dynamic ultrasound (East 60th St Manhattan and Plainview, LI). Tests are run by DPM and read by board-certified radiologist. Call for rental agreement. Satisfies Stark laws (516) 476-1815.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - W FLORIDA, BEACHES

Well established podiatry practice with excellent mix office/surgery seeking full time associate PSR 12-36. Excellent salary & benefits for the right hardworking, personable candidate. Email resume to capecoralpodiatry@live.com or fax to 239-573-9201

ASSOCIATE POSITION – ILLINOIS

Quality Podiatry Group provides quality services to residents at long term care facilities. We are currently offering full-time or part-time positions for motivated ethical podiatrists. Immediate openings are available. If interested, fax curriculum vitae to 847-674-2113 or e-mail to feetwork@aol.com

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 12,000 DPM's and Students

Whether you have used equipment to sell or our offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 12,000 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451

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